prosperous age

"Father, we think we've been tricked by them."

Previously, Da Cheng Bi Ji, San Niang Zi, and Ming Gou had secretly colluded; this time, they deliberately tried to make things difficult for us, father and son.

Inside the king's tent, Chelik spoke to his father, Huang Taiji, who sat at the head of the table.

Huang Taiji was already very old. Even though he married San Niangzi, they only consummated their marriage on the same day, and never shared a room with each other again.

At over sixty years old, even if one has the will, one is powerless.

Looking at his forty-year-old son, Huang Taiji sighed and said, "So what if you know? Do you really want the blood of Mongolian warriors to be spilled all over the grasslands before you're happy?"

"Father."

Chelik panicked upon hearing this and wanted to say something, but he saw Huang Taiji raise his hand and wave it, so he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

“I know what you’re worried about. Just stay put for the next few days. If you ask, just say you’re going to Guihua City with me.”

Huang Taiji spoke to Chelik.

Actually, he also harbored some resentment, not towards others, but towards his elderly father, Anda Khan.

They actually gave Banshengcheng directly to that brat, Hannaji.

Although it was his third brother's child, so what? Huang Taiji felt that this place should be given to him.

At most, give Hannaji a tribe, a tribe of a few thousand people, that would be enough to honor his brother.

"During this time, you should send your men to win over the herdsmen of Bansheng City and lure them to your tribe."

Although we can't directly turn against them, it's good to try to win over the tribespeople and weaken their strength.

As one side gains and the other loses, your strength also increases.

If we can empty the city of its inhabitants, what's the point of leaving even a single plank as an empty city?

Huang Taiji continued.

On the grasslands, the struggle is never about pastures, but about population.

With a population, there's a constant supply of soldiers; what kind of ranch can't be seized?

"Father, will my tribe also migrate to the vicinity of Guihua City?"

Upon hearing Huang Taiji's suggestion, Chelik immediately asked another question.

“We will relocate some of them to the area around Bansheng City to attract their herders to come and stay.”

Previously, Huang Taiji intended to take over Ban Sheng City entirely, so he did not do anything underhanded.

Things are different now. Banshengcheng is in imminent danger, so we can't let Third Sister have her way.

In the end, although he married the Third Sister, they were just sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams. He was even too lazy to climb into the bed now.

He must not allow his royal seal to fall into her hands under any circumstances, otherwise his son's Khanate might be in jeopardy.

Upon returning to the Ming army camp, Zheng Luo reined in his horse at the camp gate and turned to Ma Gui, who was following behind him, saying, "Immediately dispatch scouts to monitor the movements of Huang Taiji's troops around the clock."

Sending out more people, I'm worried they'll try something else.

Unsure of what to do beforehand, Zheng Luo and the Third Sister-in-law were making constant moves behind the scenes.

This also shows that even if they united, their strength was still inferior to Huang Taiji's on the grasslands.

He was, after all, the Great Khan of the grasslands, and held a supreme position in the hearts of the Mongols.

Now that the dust has settled, Zheng Luo still doesn't dare to open the champagne to celebrate. He's afraid that something might go wrong at the last moment, and all his previous efforts would be in vain.

"Yes."

Ma Gui agreed and immediately ordered his personal guards to relay the message.

Half an hour later, more than ten cavalry units rushed out of the Ming army camp and headed towards the Mongol camp to the north.

Meanwhile, Zheng Luo had already returned to his tent.

"The army will stay here for three days, and we will leave after Huang Taiji's side is ready to depart."

Zheng Luo continued to give instructions.

"You will finally understand."

Ma Gui nodded hurriedly, "The arrangements will be made properly. The camp currently has enough food to support the army for five days, and there is also a batch of cattle and sheep sent by Lady Zhongshun."

Even if Huang Taiji refuses to leave Bansheng City, we can hold out against him. At worst, we can have grain transported here from Datong and Xuanfu.”

Zheng Luo shook his head and said with a wry smile, "We've already gained a lot from this trip, there's no need to create unnecessary trouble."

It is not safe for a large army to remain stationed in the border region for an extended period.

I'll write to the capital to inquire about the situation in Liaodong. If things don't improve, I'll send Qi Yuanjing with his troops.

At this point, Zheng Luo took out his pen and ink, laid out the letter paper, and began to submit a memorial to the Ministry of War in the capital.

Naturally, they wrote down all the hardships they had endured along the way, then detailed their gains so far, and finally expressed their concerns, inquiring about the military situation in Liaodong.

After writing the letter, Zheng Luo summoned his personal guards and sent them to the capital to deliver it.

However, at this time, Wei Guangde neither received the battle report from Liaodong nor received any official document from Zheng Luo, because he had just received news that Zhang Juzheng's condition had greatly improved.

"Is the news true?"

Wei Guangde looked at the reed cloth and asked.

"Master, the news suddenly came from the Zhang residence today; it was told to us by the clerk next door."

Lu Bu dared not hide the truth and immediately answered.

"How could someone who was so sick before suddenly get better?"

Wei Guangde was still incredulous, but he quickly composed himself and said to Lu Bu, "Keep an eye out for information. Also, go out of the palace and have someone tell the mansion to investigate this matter thoroughly. Have Zhang Jixuan send some good ginseng over there."

Although the rumors circulating outside were somewhat absurd, Wei Guangde did not believe they were false.

Rumors don't always come from nowhere; the fact that such news has spread suggests that Zhang Juzheng's illness may indeed be improving.

Indeed, a bunch of "tonics" were poured in.
Thinking of this, Wei Guangde was suddenly startled.

"Yes."

Seeing that Wei Guangde did not continue speaking, Lu Bu hurriedly bowed and agreed, then ran out immediately.

At this time, news that Zhang Juzheng's health was gradually improving began to spread rapidly in government offices such as the Six Ministries and Five Courts.

Wei Guangde suppressed his emotions and continued to process the memorials that had been assigned to him that day.

When it was time for lunch, Lu Bu mysteriously handed him a note.

"Master, this was delivered to the palace gate by Steward Zhang. I didn't dare to look at it."

"okay."

Wei Guangde nodded, put down his chopsticks, and reached out to take the chopsticks.

He also mentioned that he hadn't seen Lu Bu earlier, and assumed he had run towards the palace gate.

After examining the note, it was found that it was folded in a very regular pattern, and there were faint charcoal marks in some places.

This is a note that needs to be kept secret, which is why this kind of confidential information from within the Wei family is kept confidential.

Although it shouldn't deter people from opening it, it's possible to tell whether the person in charge has opened the note or not.

He was right. He hadn't opened the note to look at it, but the charcoal marks on it matched.

Of course, Wei Guangde wouldn't say any of this, and only he and Zhang Ji knew about the secret markings they had made in private.

"Ugh."

Opening the note, Wei Guangde glanced at it once and couldn't help but sigh.

The note contained, of course, his observations from his visit to the Zhang residence.

Zhang Juzheng did indeed appear to be in excellent health. According to You Qi, who received him, Zhang Juzheng's health had improved significantly yesterday afternoon, and after a night's rest, he was able to eat on his own this morning.

Zhang Ji even saw a man, supported by Zhang Maoxiu, moving his arms and legs in the garden.

After all, he had been bedridden for two or three months, and now he walks with a slight tremor, needing someone to help him, but there was no doubt that he was in much better health. The last part also recorded You Qi's current attitude; after Zhang Juzheng fell ill, You Qi became much more polite to him.

However, upon seeing him again today, You Qi had reverted to his usual arrogant demeanor.

Yes, You Qi isn't stupid; he knows what he's relying on.

When Zhang Juzheng was seriously ill, no one knew what would happen next, so You Qi restrained himself for a while.

However, Zhang Juzheng's health began to improve significantly yesterday afternoon. Initially, everyone in the Zhang household was terrified, thinking it was a final burst of energy before the prime minister's death.

This situation continued into the evening, and then until this morning. According to the imperial physician's diagnosis, the condition had indeed improved significantly, and only then did they dare to release the news to the public.

Okay, now that the support is back, Youqi is starting to tremble again.

Seeing this, Wei Guangde had mixed feelings; he couldn't tell whether it was good or bad.

Meanwhile, inside the inner palace, Feng Bao had already rushed into Cining Palace to report the good news to the two empress dowagers.

Well, Feng Bao didn't know about Zhang Juzheng's improving health yesterday; he only heard the news from the people sent by Zhang's residence at this moment.

The two empress dowagers were chatting idly when they heard the news reported by Feng Bao, and their faces were filled with surprise and delight.

"In a little while, go back to the Qianqing Palace and tell the Emperor that Chief Minister Zhang has worked hard and made great contributions to the court, and deserves to be rewarded."

"Little sister, what do you think we should reward her with?"

Empress Dowager Chen then looked at Empress Dowager Li and asked.

"Let Feng Bao handle this; he can pick out some good things and send them over."

By the way, Zhang Xiang was promoted to Junior Tutor and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince in the eighth year of the Wanli reign, and last year he was promoted to Grand Tutor and Left Pillar of State. How should he be promoted this year?

He is currently the Grand Tutor, Left Pillar of State, Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince, Minister of Personnel, and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Empress Dowager Li thought for a moment and then said.

"Only the Grand Tutor remains."

Empress Dowager Chen said, "The promotions in the past two years have been too rapid, and now there really isn't a chance for further advancement."

"The court has made significant progress in the past two years, so the emperor is pleased and keeps promoting officials and granting titles, which is only natural."

Empress Dowager Li said, "If he's promoted to Grand Tutor now, what about later?"

"We'll deal with the rest later. He just came back from the brink of death, so he deserves a decent reward."

Empress Dowager Chen said.

"That's all we can do for now, Feng Bao, did you hear that?"

Empress Dowager Li continued, and then asked Feng Bao.

"This servant understands and will immediately return to the Qianqing Palace to report to His Majesty."

Feng Bao hurriedly said.

"Go down."

Empress Dowager Li then waved her hand, signaling him to leave.

Feng Bao rose to take his leave, slowly backing out of the main hall before turning and running towards the palace gates.

After Feng Bao disappeared, the joyful expressions on the faces of both Empress Dowager Chen and Empress Dowager Li vanished almost simultaneously.

After that, neither of them had any interest in chatting. They exchanged a few words and then parted ways, each lost in their own thoughts.

Empress Dowager Li took her leave and returned to Cining Palace; no one knew what she was really thinking.

For the next two days, Wei Guangde continued to diligently process the memorials sent from various parties in the cabinet, but news from the Zhang residence kept reaching his ears.

Zhang Juzheng's health has improved significantly, and he was able to receive guests yesterday.

Okay, if everyone was still skeptical about the previous rumors...

But when Zhang Juzheng finally met with people at his residence, the news that the Grand Secretary was in excellent health was confirmed; he had truly recovered.

"Urgent report from Liaodong: Qi Jiguang led his troops to a great victory over Tainingwei, and is now marching north to seek revenge on the Tuman tribe."

Today, Zhang Ke from the Ministry of War is here. As the head of the ministry, he could have easily sent someone else.

However, he chose to come in person.

There was no other reason than that the Wei residence had been closed to visitors for the past few days, and Wei Guangde had not summoned this group of people.

Actually, everyone wanted to meet with him and discuss what to do next.

After all, everyone thought Zhang Juzheng was going to die, but who knew he would recover so well? They wondered if they should continue with the previous arrangements.

"Oh, hehe, it's good to attack the Taining tribe first, they're annoyed people."

Wei Guangde took the document and said with a smile.

After reviewing the Liaodong battle report, Wei Guangde asked, "What about the grasslands? Has Governor Zheng sent any news back?"

Wei Guangde seemed oblivious to Zhang Ke's purpose in coming here and continued with his own business.

Not yet, but it should be soon.

It's been quite a while since we left the border; the journey is probably too long, so even a fast horse would need to travel for several days to deliver the document to the capital.

Zhang Ke replied.

Just then, Lu Bu came in carrying a piece of paper. After bowing slightly to Zhang Ke, he walked to the desk, spread out the paper, and said, "Master, the imperial decree has been polished by the Secretariat. Please take a look and see if you can sign it and send it to the Directorate of Ceremonial."

Wei Guangde reached out and picked up the draft edict. He had drafted it himself, and it was very straightforward. However, such edicts of bestowal of titles and honors required ornate language, so this was naturally inappropriate.

After being edited by the Zhongshu (a secretariat), the effect was different.

Wei Guangde carefully examined it, thought about it, and then revised two parts before saying, "Take it to Zhang Siwei and let him take a look. If it's feasible, make a copy and send it to the Directorate of Ceremonial."

"Yes."

Picking up the revised draft, Lu Bu turned and quickly left the duty room.

"What is this imperial decree?"

Zhang Ke asked curiously.

"The imperial decree bestowing upon Zhang the title of Grand Tutor and Chief Minister."

Wei Guangde smiled, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"After being granted the title of Grand Tutor, Chief Minister Zhang will have nowhere left to rise."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng had truly reached the pinnacle of power, having reached the very top in terms of rank, official position, and honorary title.

Grand Tutor, the head of the Three Dukes.

The title of Sanjie is Tejin Guanglu Dafu, which is also the highest among Sanjie.

Zuo Zhuguo was the highest rank in the Order of Merit; there were no ranks higher than that.

It can be said that after this imperial edict was issued, how Zhang Juzheng would be rewarded was a matter of course.
"Yes, there's no higher to go."

Wei Guangde said slowly, looking at Zhang Ke, "What do you think he will choose?"

"Good loan, you mean the palace?"

Zhang Ke's eyes widened as he looked at Wei Guangde, muttering to himself.

Wei Guangde remained silent. He didn't know what Zhang Juzheng's choice was after being appointed Grand Tutor—whether he accepted it gladly or something else.

Regardless, once the decree was issued, Wei Guangde could already foresee that Zhang Juzheng would have to drag his ailing body into the palace to express his gratitude, and might even have to return to the cabinet to perform his duties.

What the royal family fears most is actually this kind of extremely glorious bestowal.

If there's nowhere left to advance, what should you do next?
Flowers in full bloom, oil poured on a blazing fire—but what comes next?
Wei Guangde looked at Zhang Ke and said again, "Now, don't say anything, just focus on doing your job."

"Once this matter on the grasslands is resolved, and there are reports of a great victory in Liaodong, I will petition the emperor to recommend you for the position of Minister of War. Brother Zili should then return to his hometown to enjoy his retirement."

Zhang Ke nodded slightly, then cupped his hands in a respectful bow, turned, and left the duty room. (End of Chapter)